Home Heating Help

The cold hard fact of living in New England – long, frigid winters lead to high home heating bills. For many Bay Staters still struggling with the economy, this is yet another financial worry. With a little preparation, you can keep the heat in your home and money in the bank.

Hot Tips

A few inexpensive and easy ways to keep the heat inside include:

Replace broken or cracked glass on older windows; check to see that windows close properly and that window locks pull sashes together correctly.

Repair non-working knobs, latches and striker plates on doors.

Weatherstrip windows, doors and attic accesses; caulk the frames around windows and doors from the inside using a clear, pliable caulk.

Switch your curtains and blinds with insulated versions.

For those ready to do a little more around the house, experts also recommend:

Help for Vulnerable Residents

Households with gross incomes ranging between $30,751 for a single person to $97,576 for a family of 17 (not to exceed 60% of the state median income level) may be eligible for LIHEAP.

The program operates between Nov.1 and April 30, and is administered through local non-profit agencies who pay providers directly.

Residents may sign up for LIHEAP from Nov. 1 to April 30. First-time applicants must go to the fuel assistance agency in their area to complete the paperwork. And, while households must re-apply each year, information is mailed to you after the first year.

Those who are denied assistance have the right to appeal through their local fuel assistance agency.